Crunchyroll’s free tier is ad-supported, but the ads are easier to block than you might think. This guide covers every method that actually works, from ad blockers to DNS filtering, tested across Windows, iOS, and Android.
Quick answer
The most reliable fix is an ad blocker like Total AdBlock, which works on desktop and mobile browsers. If you want a permanent, app-level solution, Crunchyroll Premium removes ads entirely for $7.99/month and includes a seven-day free trial.
How many ads does Crunchyroll actually show?
During testing, Crunchyroll averaged roughly six minutes of ads per episode on the free tier. Over a 24-episode series, that’s more than two hours of ad time. That’s more than enough to make ad-blocking worth the effort for anyone binging a full show.
Method 1: Use an ad blocker (fastest option)
Ad blockers work on the Crunchyroll website in desktop and mobile browsers, though not inside the Crunchyroll app itself.
- Install a reputable ad blocker. Total AdBlock is a reliable choice that works with most streaming sites and is available for desktop and mobile.
- Activate the blocker (usually a single click or toggle).
- Open Crunchyroll in your browser and play an episode.
- If ads still appear or video playback stalls, check the blocker’s settings or contact its support team. Some blockers handle streaming sites differently.
On Android, Firefox allows a small set of browser extensions, including ad blockers. Install one, then watch Crunchyroll through Firefox’s mobile browser rather than the app.
On iOS, install Total AdBlock and use the Crunchyroll website in Safari instead of the dedicated app.
Keep in mind that running multiple ad blockers at once can cause pages to break or videos to fail to load. Stick to one.
Method 2: Subscribe to Crunchyroll Premium
The most straightforward option. The Fan tier costs $9.99/month in the US (prices vary by region) and removes all ads across the full library. It also unlocks manga reading. Higher tiers add offline downloads, simultaneous streams, and a discount in the Crunchyroll Store. However, the Fan tier is sufficient for most viewers.
Every Premium plan includes a 7-day free trial. If you only want to watch one show ad-free, you can sign up and cancel before the trial ends.
Method 3: Use a VPN with ad-blocking built in
Some VPNs include built-in ad and tracker blocking — NordVPN and Surfshark both have this feature, as well as having apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. This approach works at the network level, so it can catch ads in apps and browsers alike, though results vary by service.
This isn’t a guaranteed fix specifically for Crunchyroll, but it’s a useful extra layer if you already use a VPN.
Method 4: DNS-level ad blocking
If you want to block ads across every device on your home network — including smart TVs and game consoles — a DNS filtering service is worth considering.
Services like NextDNS and AdGuard offer free plans. You replace your router’s DNS address with theirs, and ad-serving domains get blocked before the request even reaches your device. Setup typically takes 5–10 minutes on your router’s admin page. Note that the router that came bundled with your broadband package may not allow you to change DNS settings.
If this is the case, using Pi-hole on a Raspberry Pi turns your home network into a DNS server that blocks ads at the network level. It’s more work to configure initially, but requires little maintenance afterward and blocks ads on mobile apps and some smart TVs as well as browsers.
Which method should you choose?
| Situation | Recommended option |
|---|---|
| Quick fix for desktop | Ad blocker extension |
| Watching on iOS | Total AdBlock + Safari |
| Watching on Android | Firefox + ad blocker extension |
| Long-term, all-device solution | Crunchyroll Premium or DNS blocking |
| Already paying for a VPN | Enable its ad-blocking feature |
Summary
For most people, an ad blocker installed on a browser covers the majority of Crunchyroll watching. If you want something permanent and app-compatible, Crunchyroll’s Fan plan at $9.99/month is the cleanest option — and the free trial makes it easy to test before committing. For whole-network coverage, DNS filtering or Pi-hole is the most thorough solution, though it takes more setup.
Crunchyroll: FAQs
Why is Crunchyroll showing so many ads?
Crunchyroll usually shows around six minutes of ads per episode. There are scattered reports of users experiencing far higher volumes than this, but these seem to be isolated issues that resolve themselves soon afterward. If you’re experiencing a higher than average number of ads for an extended period of time, try turning off any tracker-blockers you have installed to see if these are interfering somehow. Failing that, we’d suggest contacting Crunchyroll support.
Will Crunchyroll ban me for using an ad-blocker?
Crunchyroll’s terms of service don’t specifically mention ad-blockers, though it does make users promise not to “Circumvent, disable or otherwise interfere with… features that prevent or restrict use or copying of any content”.
There have been no credible reports of anyone being banned from Crunchyroll just for using an ad-blocker. There’s simply no 100 percent accurate way for Crunchyroll to determine whether a viewer is using an ad-blocker or not. Ad blockers are always coming up with new filter lists and more advanced methods to evade detection.
Why am I still seeing ads with a Crunchyroll Premium account?
This might sound obvious, but if you’re being shown ads on Crunchyroll, you likely don’t have a Premium account. Most likely, when you tried to renew your subscription, the payment failed due to incorrect info or a lack of funds. It’s also possible that you accidentally signed into a different account, so make sure that you’re actually logged into yours!
If you’ve checked both of the above things, your best bet is to get in touch with Crunchyroll support. You’ll almost always hear back within a couple of days, although you may have to provide staff with further details and proof of purchase, which can add time to the resolution process.
Can I still get a Crunchyroll Guest Pass?
Sadly, no. Premium Crunchyroll subscribers used to be given a free Guest Pass every month. This could be given away to grant anyone 48 hours of ad-free streaming. If you didn’t want to pay for Premium yourself, you could just wait for the monthly code giveaway thread on the Crunchyroll subreddit. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Guest Passes were discontinued a few years ago and show no signs of returning any time soon.
